The Importance of Motorcycle Maintenance in Preventing Accidents

March 15, 2023 Posted In Motorcycle Accidents

Regular motorcycle maintenance is essential to ensuring the safety of riders and others on the road. It can help identify and address potential issues before they lead to accidents. 

Types of Motorcycle Maintenance That is Critical to Preventing Accidents

Here are some ways that motorcycle maintenance can help prevent accidents:

• Tire maintenance: Proper tire maintenance, such as regular checks for wear and pressure, can help prevent blowouts and other tire-related issues that can cause a crash.
• Brake maintenance: Regular brake inspections and changing can help ensure that a motorcycle can stop quickly and safely in an emergency situation.
• Electrical system maintenance: Routine maintenance of the electrical system can help identify and address any issues with the motorcycle’s lights, signals, or other components that could contribute to accidents.
• Suspension maintenance: Proper suspension can ensure that a motorcycle remains stable and controllable on the road.
• Fluid checks: Regular checks of the motorcycle’s oil, coolant, and other fluids can help prevent issues such as overheating or engine failure that can lead to accidents.

How a Lack of Motorcycle Maintenance Can Impact Accident Liability

A lack of maintenance can potentially affect motorcycle accident liability. For example, if it is found that the accident was caused by a mechanical issue that could have been prevented with proper maintenance, the rider could be held liable for negligence. Negligence refers to a failure to take reasonable care or exercise caution, which leads to harm or injury to others. As another example, if an accident was caused by a worn-out tire or faulty brake system that the rider could have noticed and fixed with proper maintenance, the rider could be found partially or entirely at fault for the resulting damages. 

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, here are the steps you should take:

Stay Calm

Try to stay calm and assess your injuries. Check if anyone else involved in the accident requires immediate medical attention.

Move to Safety

If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle to a safe location to avoid further accidents or injuries.

Call 911

Call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage. Otherwise, notify the police so that an officer will come to the scene to create a report. 

Gather Information

If you were not taken to the hospital, collect information from the other parties involved, including their names, contact, and insurance information. Also, take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries.

Do Not Discuss Fault

Refrain from discussing fault with the other parties, even if you believe a lack of maintenance on your motorcycle was responsible. There may be additional factors that you are unaware of that could have contributed to or caused the accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after leaving the scene. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and prompt medical care can help prevent further complications.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with all the necessary information.

Lastly, it is critical to consult a Riverside Motorcycle Accident Attorney. They can help you determine the cause of the accident, who is liable, and assist you in navigating the legal process to ensure your rights are protected.